IIn fact, Inter Miami’s first MLS Cup victory in their fifth season as an MLS franchise is quite an impressive feat. There were many factors that led to the club lifting its first MLS trophy on Saturday, but the arrival of Lionel Messi was the real turning point.
The Argentine legend joins a team that has struggled mightily in its first three and a half seasons. Along with the help of friends Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, Messi helped Miami win multiple trophies in just two and a half years. Saturday’s win over the Vancouver Whitecaps was the true culmination of the team’s move to Miami Freedom Park in 2026.
Messi and Inter Miami crowned MLS Champions | Inter Miami 3-1 Vancouver | Highlights and Goals | MLS
Lionel Messi’s 50th career trophy could come at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if everything goes to plan
2026 is a World Cup year and could be a really special year for Messi. Although he has not officially announced his participation in the next tournament, everyone expects him to participate. Following Miami’s MLS Cup victory, Messi will certainly want to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a chance of winning his 50th title in the competition.
With the MLS Cup win, Messi has won 48 trophies in his career. If the final match between Argentina and Spain, which is rumored to be held in March but has not yet been confirmed, happens, there is a possibility that Messi will win trophy No. 49.
Messi’s next chance for a title will be at the World Cup, and if he can help Argentina secure the four-star title, it could be Messi’s 50th title, which would be his second. It’s a script that even Hollywood screenwriters wouldn’t have thought of. But much work remains to be done before that possibility emerges.
